‘Secret’ Cheaters Less Likely to Practice Safe Sex

People who were sexually unfaithful without their partner’s knowledge were less likely to practice safe sex than those who are in an open relationship, according to new research.

The research also notes that those “secret” cheaters were more likely to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the encounter.

In the study, researchers from the University of Michigan found that condom use for vaginal and anal sex was 27 percent and 35 percent lower in sexually unfaithful relationships. Drug and alcohol use was 64 percent higher in the same group.

Of the 1,647 people who replied to an online advertisement, 801 had had sex with someone other than their primary partner, the researchers report.

Of those, 493 said it had happened as part of a negotiated open relationship, while 308 said they were unfaithful while in a committed monogamous relationship.

“Our research suggests that people who are unfaithful to their monogamous romantic partners pose a greater risk for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) than those who actively negotiate non-monogamy in their relationship,” says lead author Dr. Terri Conley from the department of psychology at the University of Michigan.

“Monogamy can be an effective method for preventing the spread of STIs, but only if couples test negative for STIs at the start of the relationship and remain faithful while they are together. If people do not find monogamy appealing or feasible, they clearly need to think about the risk this poses to their partner and consider whether an open relationship would suit their needs better, and better protect their relationship partners.”

“More work is needed in both prevention of and education about sexually transmitted diseases,” added Irwin Goldstein, editor-in-chief of The Journal of Sexual Medicine, where the study appeared.

“This research is of particular interest because it reveals that monogamous relationships are not always monogamous which can have resultant sexual health implications.”

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About Janice Wood

Janice Wood is a long-time writer and editor who began working at a daily newspaper before graduating from college. She has worked at a variety of newspapers, magazines and websites, covering everything from aviation to finance to healthcare.